Back
to Sofia 2000Hello from Bulgaria
everyone!
The conference has
successfully kicked off! Wednesday
afternoon held two sessions: library education and information literacy.
Presentations were given by a Kansan, two Dutch, two English and one
Greek. Already a cross section of
nationalities and cultures in 2 hours!
The participants are
enjoying the conference themes and discussions resulting from the presentations
and intermingling at the coffee breaks. I
think many ideas are being exchanged from the animated clusters of participants
I see at the breaks and at supper last night.
Speaking of supper, we were treated to a great banquet and keynote speech, held at a main hall of the University of Sofia. The keynote speech was given by Reverend Graham Cornish, the President of the UK Library Association. Rev. Cornish spoke about the "puzzle pieces" of libraries, such as resources and people, and how these are impacted by the Internet. Translation was provided in Bulgarian since many students and faculty of the library school here in Sofia also attended the speech. Rev. Cornish, as well as the rest of us, quickly learned the Bulgarian word for "puzzle"! Especially since it is not very different in pronunciation. Following Rev. Cornish's speech was a short musical recital of traditional Bulgarian music and song. Very beautiful costumes, and the music held more than a hint of Turkish/Middle Eastern influence. After this, the conference participants descended to a cellar-like room for a lavish banquet and many glasses of wonderful wine and "local fire water." We work hard, we deserve to play!
Many times during
the day and into the evening I was told how great the conference was going and
how exciting it was to meet other professionals. Although I am involved in the nitty gritty to such an extent
that I have a hard time seeing the overall picture, I too have the impression
that good things are emerging from this conference.
Modernizing information policy is still nebulous in this region of the
world, and the conference participants can have a significant impact on the
transition. It is for this reason
that the conference is so important.
On a lighter note, I
hear it is cold and wintry in Kansas. Sofia
is experiencing its warmest November in 100 years, with highs in the upper 70s.
We are loving it even if we can't go outside often!
More to follow, of
course. Keep checking on the Conference
Notes and Sofia Memoirs of the Sofia
2000 web site.
Session summaries, memoirs, and pictures are going up in as much real
time as possible!
Rebecca Miller